While it’s generally very young babies who undergo circumcision, sometimes they aren’t well enough until they’re older. Medical problems at birth may interfere with the families’ desire to circumcise soon after birth. If you have an older baby and you’re considering circumcision, Dr. Jerome Pittman, who specializes in circumcision for older babies and children at Gentle Circumcision in Culver City, California, can help. Exceptionally few doctors can perform these older baby procedures using local anesthesia in Southern California. The Gentle Circumcision team has completed more than 6,000 older baby circumcisions since its launch in 2005. Their exceptional pain management program is the primary reason they have been successful in circumcising this age group.
Older Baby Circumcision Q & A
What is older baby circumcision?
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from your baby’s penis. Circumcision usually takes place soon after the baby is born, but there are sometimes reasons why newborns can’t undergo circumcision.
The most common reasons are:
- Premature birth
- Breathing problems during delivery
- No insurance coverage
- Undecided about circumcision at birth
How is older baby circumcision performed?
Circumcision for older babies is possible using the Plastibell technique. Plastibell is the method Dr. Pittman uses to circumcise newborn babies.
The Plastibell circumcision device is made of clear, lightweight plastic. It’s shaped like a bell with a detachable handle attached. The Plastibell device comes in several sizes to fit newborns, infants, and toddlers.
During the circumcision, Dr. Pittman places the bell portion over the glans, or head of your baby’s penis. He pulls the foreskin over the bell and secures it tightly.
The procedure is completed by removing the unwanted excess portion of foreskin. The bell acts as protection for the delicate glans during the procedure.
Older baby circumcision takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. Healing time is approximately 14 days.
Can my baby feel pain during circumcision?
Older babies feel pain just like you do, and one of the priorities at Gentle Circumcision is to make sure there’s excellent pain management for your baby, both during and after the procedure.
For older babies, a buffered lidocaine anesthetic numbs the circumcision area before the procedure. Afterward, parents can alternate between acetaminophen (infant Tylenol) and ibuprofen (infant Motrin) to provide a virtually painless circumcision and recovery.